Mahilig tayo magbigay ng advice sa mga kapwa natin nanay – anong pwedeng gawin sa colic, paano mag-sleep training, anong best binder, saan mura ang stroller. Dahil pinakamaganda magtanong sa mga naka-experience na nito. Been there, bundat. Hehe.
Pero may advice ka bang natanggap mula sa kapwa nanay mo na talagang tumatak sayo?
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanay sa Instagram kung ano ang best advice na nakuha nila from a fellow Bagong Nanay. And I love the range! Continue reading at sana may mapulot ka!
When you feel like you are wrong…
TYL at mabilis silang magpatawad.
When you feel like you are pressured to be the best…
“You will end up stressed and disappointed,” sabi rin ni Mommy Erin.
When you are overthinking things…
Focus on what matters.
When you feel like you are the only one who is struggling…
You are not alone.
When you feel like you are not enough…
Tandaan mo din yan.
Diba. Ang sarap. Wag sana tayo maging madamot sa pagbigay ng mga advice sa ating fellow Nanays. Minsan kasi, maliit na bagay lang sa atin, pero sa kanila, kailangang kailangan nilang marinig yun at that moment.
Shameless plugging. Nanay Judy (ako po yun) will be going on Instagram Live chat with Mama Missy Santos (@mamafindsbliss) and Mommy Krz Lopez-Pareja on Oct 2, Sat, 3pm to talk about postpartum depression.
Join us on Saturday, 3pm at Mama Finds Bliss on Instagram
First time ko itong gagawin on IG Live – ang ishare ang aking postpartum struggles, with the goal to help at least one mom struggling in the dark. Sana by sharing our stories, we can inspire you to get help, and share yours too. We need to raise awareness on maternal mental health because moms deserve help.
Because we are all in this together. #BagongNanaysEmpowerBagongNanays
What’s the best advice you received from a fellow Bagong Nanay? Comment below!
Yes, you can just diffuse or inhale or use the oils topically, but when you become a member of a group that loves learning together, you will discover the many many uses and benefits of essential oils.
The group that I belong to has regular (and I mean everyday) classes that help you unlock what else you can do with oils.
It’s a learning journey, because there is a lot to love and to learn about it.
Infinite possibilities
I didn’t know that I can use oils for a lot of things like cleaning the kitchen, or making an air freshener, or just cleaning the air!
I thought it was only used for diffusing so you can have good sleep.
Mandatory diffusing photo on the first night I got my PSK! Lavender + Stress Away blend for a good night’s sleep
Having a PSK at home, you can make roller blends, massage oils, and hygiene and cleaning products that are all-natural. Unlike vitamins that you will just take, or rejuv sets that you will just pahid on your face, the PSK is sobrang sulit, ikaw ang mapapagod sa dami nang pwede mong gawin!
You can make candles and soaps, or just add it to your all-natural facial wash or hair conditioner to spice things up!
Totoo yung sabi nila na every drop goes a long way!
I made this roller blend for my sisters who love to eat, and called it Mukbang! Peppermint + Digize + V6 oil
Pang-alta ang amoy and experience when you open it for the first time!
So if you are looking for a gift to someone who is extra special to you, say, your mom, sister, mother-in-law, boss, bestfriend, ninang, or tita, trust me, a Young Living Premium Starter Kit will not disappoint.
Lakas maka-sosyal! Every home should have this!
Start of a healthier lifestyle
Pre-YL, I didn’t know that we have been using cleaners or medicines that contain harmful substances like formaldehyde or parabens.
But when I had one, I was able to make my own all-natural products that I know are safe for my child.
One time, I woke up with a stiff neck. I would usually use SalonPas and put it on my neck.
But because I don’t have SalonPas at home, and instead of going out to buy it, I used the After Workout Massage oil I made for my husband.
After Workout massage oil for my husband! Peppermint + Panaway + Frankincense + V6 oil
After two applications and massages on my neck area, no more pain!
Another time I had a terrible headache after a long day of Zoom meetings.
I put a drop of Frankincense EO on my palm and inhaled it.
I’ve always wanted to smell frankincense, and when I did, I cannot unsmell it!
My headache was gone in a snap.
I cannot believe it either. But yes, frankincense is an amazing oil that’s been praised for centuries for its benefits. I know that too because I used to work for a Canada-based company that sells 100% pure frankincense and myrrh products from Somalia. Check them out here.
Ever since I wanted our bathroom to smell good, so I created an air freshener! It has a faint smell that lasts for days, but better than panghi!
Easy DIY air freshener using Citrus Fresh and Lemon EOs + baking soda!
My husband who recently had colds, swear by inhaling and applying Peppermint EO on his chest.
He said it helped relieve his nose and sleep well. But I didn’t stop, I made an inhaler for him – Lavender, Peppermint, and Frankincense. I also make an LLPFC blend for him.
The list goes on! I tell you, it’s a life-changing experience.
My work essentials includes a bottle of Peppermint EO!
Are you also an oily nanay? What are your favorite oils? Or you want to try it too? Comment below, and let’s go through this oily journey – together! I can send you free samples or roller blends, if you want!
You can also click here to get your own Young Living Premium Starter Kit, and get started towards a healthier lifestyle!
Sorry na, nakalimutan ko gawin itong blog na ito. Hehehe.
Pang-justify lang ba ng mga nakakalimutang tasks ang #mombrain? O real talaga siya?
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung ano ang eksenang mombrain nila recently. At naloka ako sa mga sagot nila! ๐
Me, all the time
Apir!
Soap-as!
Na-disinfect din yung pasta haha
Saing naman…
Buti nalang
It’s asin
Pweh
Expectation vs reality
Wag kasi masyado mag-expect
Alamat ng Suklay
Hahahaahahaha
In chorus
Mamaaa x 3
Luhhhh
Padede moms know!
Best answer goes to Mommy Daisy Sanuco! You will receive a gift pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop, featuring its newest product: Mother Nurture Malunggay Coffee and Choco Mixes. Yey!
Order now at The Bagong Nanay Shop!
May eksenang mombrain din ba kayo recently, Bagong Nanay? Share mo na yan!
Probably one of our greatest fears as a Bagong Nanay is to be far away from our baby. I cannot imagine the pain and the longing of having to sleep without her by my side, or miss out on her milestones.
In our experience, my baby spent her first 20 days in the NICU, away from me. After visiting her and spending time with her in the hospital, my husband and I will go home to an empty house. Those were the hardest days for us. I asked myself: Why can’t we be with our baby? Did we do something wrong?
That’s why I live to share stories like this: a Bagong Nanay who had to be far away from her baby because of circumstances. I personally witnessed some of her struggles – because our daughters were born two weeks apart.
Here’s the #KuwentongBagongNanay of Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran, on how a mother’s love could be so patient and so kind and so enduring that even with the distance and the pandemic effect – she strives to find ways to show her love for her daughter. A love that is out of this world – to the moon and back.
Ilabas na ang tissue. Nanay tears will be shed.
1. What were the circumstances that led you to be in a long-distance relationship with your little one?
Two months before I gave birth to my daughter Dani in 2019, I flew from Singapore where I work – to my home in the Philippines on my obstetrician’s strict advice. At that time, I was approaching eight years as an S Pass holder in Singapore. Our long-distance situation with my dear daughter began after my maternity leave.
The Singapore government only allows non-residents to visit a maximum of a month, regardless of age, even for family members of S Pass holders. I asked about how to apply for a dependent, but I came out ineligible, after an assessment.
The solution I came up with was to bring Dani to Singapore in alternate months. In the months that she had to stay in Manila, I would fly back for a couple of days to be with her.
Dani’s First Christmas with Mommy Tzarina
But our situation worsened when the pandemic started in 2020, which led me to decide to come home to the Philippines for good.
2. How did you manage being far away from your baby? What are the three things that helped you cope with it?
Postpartum depression (PPD) + long-distance relationship (LDR) is the worst formula for a Bagong Nanay. I cried myself to sleep – every single night. My husband, who was with me in Singapore, was very supportive and understanding, and for that I’m grateful. We talked things through and came up with ideas that could help me cope.
Nightly video calls, sometimes even during office hours, made me feel as if I’m next to Dani. Before her bedtime, we read storybooks, which was so comforting. On weekends, calls were much longer. A couple of other stress busters in my routine are cooking and baking. I frequently sent photos of the dishes I made.
Thank God for technology. Dani and her mommy TzarinaStorytime!Loving Dani to the moon and back
Lastly, I put up Bunny Dani Dresses, where I sewed cute clothes and a quiet book for Dani. I surprised myself that I was able to make dresses for my little bunny.
3. What was it like when you finally hug her again after a long time of being far away?
My trip back home to the Philippines in November 2020 was unannounced. My parents and my friends didn’t know about it, except for my husband. It was nerve-wracking because it was my first time to make such a big surprise.
When I opened the door, my mom shrieked. She couldn’t believe that it’s me. Dani cried, wondering what made her Granny scream. My heart was beating fast, I thought I was going to cry, but I felt so much happiness. I was smiling the whole time. It was a joy to see Dani again after a long time.
Together, finally!
4. What activities do you enjoy doing together now that you have each other? List the top 3.
Somehow, the lockdown lets me spend more enjoyable activities with Dani. She’s my little helper in baking. When I tell her that we’re going to bake, she hurries to the kitchen and grabs the wire whisk, rolling pin, muffin pan, among other things.
Little baker DaniLike baking, if it takes patience and love..…It’s going to be good and sweet. ๐
I also enjoy bathing her in her mini tub. She imagines swimming in the pool with her rubber duckies and other toys.
And at bedtime, I tell her stories from when she was just a baby, sometimes about our family, and stories from her books.
Also mommy’s kitchen apprentice!
5. What can you tell moms who are currently living far away from their children?
When it comes to your children, nothing can be more important than being with them.
Tzarina Gaoiran for bagongnanay.com
I want to send a message to long-distance moms to follow their mother’s intuition. When it comes to our children, nothing can be more important than being with them. I had to battle my nagging fears for months, but my final decision to fly home to Dani was worth it. Regardless of your decision, donโt let anyoneโs judgment burden you.
As of writing, Tzarina and her husband Don are now living together with their daughter Dani here in Manila. ๐
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am more confident and contented.
I am Marie Tzarina Go-Gaoiran from Pasig.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Daniele Marina or Dani, who just turned 2.
I love watching Korean dramas and Netflix, and do some crafts when I am not busy with being Daniโs playmate, cook, and mom.
Are you in a long-distance relationship with your child too? Share your experience in the comments.
I’ve always had this fear and hesitation to start a business, thinking “hindi ako magaling magbenta.”
So when I finally had the chance to start a business and become a nanaypreneur, I started reselling M2 Malunggay Tea in August 1, 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a product I use, so I thought, might as well resell it so I will not run out of stocks!
The Bagong Nanay Shop, est Aug 2020. Nuks!
Fast forward to today, I’m still at it, and I can say na mas madami akong natutunan versus kinita sa pagbi-business.
Madami din akong na-gain na new friends, and rekindled relationships because of the products I sell.
And it was all God’s grace + hard work on my end.
As a seller, willing ako makipagpuyatan basta maka-respond sa customers.
I didn’t know I could do more when I offered my products in a nearby store here in our home.
Doing business is about taking calculated risks.
BagongNanay.com
I approached a 24/7 healthy convenience store branch here in Eastwood City, asking if they can place my products in their store.
After a couple of emails and free samples, we agreed to do a consignment setup. I thought that was the hard part!
I offered to deliver the products personally, and di siya biro. Kahit malapit lang sila, literal na one block away, effort siya.
Ginusto ko to, I said. And I know someday it will bear fruit.
Mode of delivery, lol
Bilang baguhan tayo sa business, ano ba yung consignment?
Based sa na-Google ko, it’s technically an agreement to pay a supplier of goods after the goods are sold.
So may agreed price kami, then I provide the products based on their orders, then I wait for their sales report at the end of the month, and then I’ll get paid.
My products in their store!
On our first month, mano-mano lahat syempre, like they ordered via email, then I gave them a handwritten delivery receipt, etc.
Feel na feel ko ang pagiging half-businesswoman, half-kargador. Abangers ako sa email nila kung ilan ang nabenta, sinisilip ko yung store nila kung nabawasan ba, etc.
Not to mention, lagi ako tinatanong ni husband, “magkano na ba kita mo diyan?” To which I always reply, “maya i-check ko.” Lol
Kilig. Eto bestseller nila sa mga products ko so far.
But as days passed, parang feeling ko I need to automate the system. Hindi pwede itong ganitong mano-mano.
That’s when I sought the help of Speedster Solutions. I had the chance to talk to the founder (nuks!) who is my former colleague and great friend Jed Santos.
Q: Tell us a bit about you. Why are you doing this?
I am a professional content editor and I currently work for an Australian media and events company. But what brought me to tinkering with spreadsheets?
I have a friend who owns a vegetable-selling business with a couple of employees. Unlike other small business, they do track their numbers (sales, income, profit, expenses). I created spreadsheets for them around 2010, very basic spreadsheets, and a decade later here comes the lockdown, which presented me plenty of time to look at those again.
I thought, these are awfully plain, so I decided to up the ante and watch plenty of YouTube videos. In the process, I discovered that I do completely understand the intelligence of Excel. Those plain-looking spreadsheets turned into dynamic versions months later, literally unrecognizable from the previous ones. And I just kept going, claiming the skill for myself until I became confident that, with its powerful features, I can do magic.
Speedster Solutions founder Jed Santos and my little Lia <3
Q: Why should micro, small, and medium business owners trust Speedster Solutions?
#1. Speedster Solutions was born out of genuine concern to ease the burden of employee and business data management experienced by my closest friend. Many people donโt know what they need until you show it to them, and thatโs what we are here for โ we show business owners that itโs possible to automate their data management, thereby allowing them to have more time to spend on generating revenue for their business.
If you can think it, Speedster Solutions can do it!
#2 We have helped actual business owners and individuals make their lives easier using functional spreadsheets. We have no doubt we can help more people by solving their pain points when it comes to managing, organizing, presenting, and interacting with their business data.
We show business owners that itโs possible to automate their data management, thereby allowing them to have more time to spend on generating revenue for their business.
Jed Santos, Founder, Speedster Solutions
#3 We figure things out for our clients. If a requested solution is currently beyond our means or scope, we break through that wall to search for answers that will help us fulfill what we need to do.
Speedster Solutions for The Bagong Nanay Shop
Yes, yung number 3 talaga. When I approached Jed, I only sent him the current Google Sheets that I use, told him my problems (or pain points), and voila! “Please check your email, Judy,” na siya. Speedster yarn?
Q: What makes Speedster Solutions services different from its competitors?
We provide bespoke spreadsheet solutions. Because we know that no two businesses are the same, we only deliver products that have been customized to the specific needs of our clients.
Sample work of Speedster Solutions: Payroll OS Ultimate
We make sure the final workbook addresses their pain points and usability is frictionless. Thatโs why we ask lots of questions before even starting โ we want to understand how every business owner handles their data and we try to model their thinking so that when they do use our product, they have a certain level of familiarity.
Wag ka ma-intimidate sa word na ‘bespoke.’ Haha. Customized spreadsheets for your business lang ang ibig sabihin niyan. Lol
Kung ano yung need mo, no frills, they will make it for you.
In my experience, I only wanted a consignment sheet that the store will fill out para hindi na humaba yung email thread namin.
And para na rin ma-track ko ang sales nila real-time without having to make silip in their store. Hehe.
I’ve yet to introduce to my consignee the automation that Speedster Solutions created for me.
Kakatapos lang kasi ng first two months namin na mano-mano, and I know that this new process will help us a lot.
I will update this blog post once we’ve used the system!
For now, if you think your business needs something like this, contact Speedster Solutions.
Best part is – they are giving nanaypreneurs – yes, you – a 30% off discount to their current promo rate of Php750 for one (or your first) spreadsheet. Yes, ang mura diba?
Yes yes yes! Avail na nanaypreneurs!
Just share this review in any of your social media accounts, and send a screenshot when you message them!
When was the last time you posted a photo of your baby on Facebook or Instagram? Two hours ago? Last year? Never?
As first-time moms, it seems like we are compelled to post updates about our nanayhood journey – starting with a photo of our positive pregnancy test – to videos of the latest tricks our child can do. Some do it because “it ain’t official til it’s Facebook official,” and some do it “for the ‘gram” – wanting to feel some kind of high from the likes and hearts and wows that your post can get.
But for Bagong Nanay Jo-an Liwanag, things changed when the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020. She shares, some of the social media sites that she used to love are no longer part of her new normal.
This is her #KuwentongBagongNanay, of logging out of Facebook and Instagram – and logging in as a more hands-on parent to her three kids.
1. What made you decide to stay off social media?
I love being on social media, to be honest. It’s where I share my day-to-day stories, updates about our family so that our friends and relatives who live far away can get a glimpse on how we are doing. There were a lot of times that I would go offline on social media just to take a break, but only during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, around May 2020, that I decided to officially bid goodbye to the social media world.
I was pregnant with my third child then, and it was not easy. It’s the most difficult pregnancy I’ve ever had; I experienced vomiting, nausea, and I was put on bed rest for the entire first trimester because of hemorrhage.
I was 16 weeks pregnant when the pandemic started, and it made my experience even worse. Anxiety started to kick in, and then fear and panic. I even had to keep my pregnancy from my relatives and our parents, just so I can focus on keeping my baby healthy. I also experienced pre-term labor.
I couldn’t stand seeing my news feed filled with angry people. No matter how I try to manage my feed, bad news still gets to me. Some people would even post unverified news, and it adds fear to my underlying anxiety. It was a very stressful time for any pregnant woman. That made me decide to finally log out of my social media accounts – specifically Facebook and Instagram – for good.
How were the first days like?
I honestly felt better. I got to sleep better. No anxiety or whatsoever. I did not make any announcement to my contacts, I just went offline, and people did not notice it that much. Only my closest friends realized that I was missing in their social media accounts. Honestly, it was easier to let go that way. You leave them puzzled and allow them to think whatever they want to think. People are entitled to their own presumptions.
Mommy Jo-an Liwanag, with her kids Caitlin, Rafa, and Andres
2. What can you say are the top 3 pros and cons of a Bagong Nanay who is not on social media?
The top 3 pros for me are: increased productivity both at work and at home; more time for yourself and your family; and more time to connect with friends and family through private conversations.
I honestly think the cons are subjective. I think it depends on how easy or hard it is for you to leave social media. For me, the only consequence is that I don’t get to access the profiles of relevant suppliers, and I can’t browse through the marketplace for things I need for work and for my family.
3. Would you recommend having a social media timeout to other Bagong Nanays? Why or why not?
Yes, I highly recommend having a social media timeout, not just for Bagong Nanays, but for everyone. Going offline gave me the liberty to regain myself behind the keyboard and my phone screen.
Mommy Jo-an and Andres
It helped me regain my sanity. Our mental health is very important. Going offline gave me more time to reconnect with the people around me, and it gave me the opportunity to share ideas and opinions to my friends by having real, private conversations.
4. Have you noticed changes in you or in your outlook in life with you not being in social media anymore?
Definitely! I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy. I learned to live simply, and to stop comparing myself to others.
I finally learned how to accept the things I cannot change, and to celebrate my small wins and big wins privately. I also realized that you don’t need other people’s validation or aim for self-gratification just to make yourself happy.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay
5. Where do you spend your time on – now that you’ve saved a lot of time from not being on social media?
Happy and healthy kids of Mommy Jo-an
I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic. I focus on taking care of my body, and when I can, I squeeze in a 30-minute or a 1-hour workout.
I spend my time on taking care of my health and the health of my family, which is very vital in this time of pandemic.
Jo-an Liwanag for Bagong Nanay
I learned to listen to my body. I don’t workout to regain my pre-pregnancy body. I never workout for vanity. I do this because I want to be strong and healthy for my family, so I can keep up with their demands.
I try my best to keep our family healthy by providing them the nourishment that they need, especially at a difficult time like this.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I don’t go overboard. No fuss.
I am Jo-an Liwanag from Paraรฑaque City. I am the not-so-Bagong Nanay of Caitlin 11, and Rafa 10, but a Bagong Nanay to Andres, who is 11 months old.
When I’m not busy working, washing dishes, cleaning the house, or feeding four bellies that never get full (including husband’s), I workout or binge-watch on Netflix.
(Hey, it’s the only thing we can do for now since it’s pandemic, but I would love to travel again with family and start to create more core memories with them again).
Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Send me a message, and let’s talk about it.
Trivia: Alam niyo ba na most of the recent Bagong Nanay Question of the Week questions ay hindi galing sa akin? Yes. Galing sila kay husband – si Bagong Tatay! Hehe.
Kaya nung pinost ko ang Bagong Nanay Question of the Week natin, natuwa ako! Parang napa-throwback ako sa testi days ng friendster! Parang nagkaroon ng outlet ang mga mommies on Instagram para i-recognize ang mga nanay influencers na paborito nila, at the same time, nirecognize din ng mga influencers ang mga nanay fans nila. Hehe.
Napili siya ni Mommy brendaaguilan dahil “very friendly, soft-spoken, God-fearing and laging nagsishare ng opportunity.”
Sabi naman ni inaybessie, “ang cute ng content niya pramis, busy lang ako kaya hindi ko pa napapakinggan ang podcast niya, nakaka-goodvibes ang videos niya.”
Follow Mommy Therese Cardenas aka thenurturingmomma as she aims to bring back sanity and self-care to nurturing mommas. Check out her podcast, Hello Momdays!
2. slayingmotherhood
Sabi ni mamatin.blogs, fina-follow niya si Mommy Babzee dahil “kalog! Fun and exciting parenting.” Si Mommy mayjowa_na, siya ang top 2 dahil sabi niya, “gustong gusto ko talaga yung mga nanay na may sense of humour sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Babzee aka slayingmotherhood, if you want to see more of her “witty nanay” posts like this:
“Sobrang down to earth, hindi madamot sa opportunity, kaalaman, medyo mukhang masungit. Nanay na Nanay,” sabi ni mamatin.blogs.
Sabi ni mommyfarizza, “Yung words of wisdom niya super nakakainspire. Isa siya sa mga inspirasyon ko bakit pa tuloy akong nagpupursige maging isang ambassador.”
Follow mommypehpot, mom of five, dahil baka ikaw nalang ang hindi pa naka-follow sa kanya! She has 78.5k followers to date. Wow.
4. justcheespeaks
Eto, personal favorite ko din itong si Mommy Chee! Kaya naman isa siya sa mga ininvite ko na magsulat ng #KuwentongBagongNanay niya bilang isang nanay influencer. Read here, kung hindi mo pa nababasa ang story niya.
Agree si mommy_alexies, favorite din niya si Mommy Chee, “kasi gaganda ng content niya especially usapang content creator.”
Follow Mommy Chee Vicente aka justcheespeaks if you want to know best practices and Instagram hacks for content creators and brand owners.
5. mommypracticality
Sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas, “love her contents! Super friendly at approaching pa.” Same sila ni mamatin.blogs, “love the content too! Mapagbigay ng opportunity at relate sa mga post.”
Follow Mommy Louise aka mommypracticality, and learn from her practical guide to mommy life.
6. chammagsaysay
Sabi ni mamajloncho, fan siya ni Mommy Cham dahil “I love her family! Nakakatuwa mga feeds nya, all about family and un mga twinnings nila ni Keia, wishing magkakababy girl din para makatwinning din like Mommy Cham and Keia.”
Si mommyjoannaguilalas din hanga sa kanya, “super idol ko to when it comes to juggling her time for work, her family and for herself. Plus her contents! Super gaganda and nakakaakit talaga!”
Follow Mommy Cham Estrera Magsaysay aka chammagsaysay, ang ganda nga ng feed niya!
7. karenclaudene
Sabi ni scofield.mom, favorite niya si Mommy Karen. “I don’t remember kung paano ko siya nakilala, pero out of the blue, na-inlove ako sa pagiging napaka-down-to-earth niya, tutulungan ka niya at isshare niya talaga sayo yung blessing niya. Kelan lang nasabi ko sa kanya, na nabibilib ako sa pagiging multiperson niya, (influencer, mother, wife and nag-aaral pa, plus may business ding hinahandle) kaya naman talaga #BeautifulWithAHeart.
Top 1 din siya ni Mommy rvlsjn.20, “Bakit? Dahil sobrang idol na idol ko siya since nakilala ko siya na isa pala siyang momfluencer. Ayun, kapag palagi kong nakikita IG stories niya or any post, nagrereact at nagcocomment talaga ako ๐โฅ๏ธ Nakafavorites siya sa akin.”
“I love her for being a wais Mommy and mga tipid tips nya, syempre as a mom need natin maging wais sa mga decision lalo na financially,” sabi ni mamajloncho.
Agree dyan si Mommy joannaguilalas, “the best ang tipid hacks and tips. Very helpful!”
Follow Mommy Gracie aka tipidmommy for posts on grateful living, hacks, budget talks, and buhay nanay.
“She is very passionate on everything she does. Super love her contents, sharing every tips and good finds on her page!” sabi ni Mommy joannaguilalas. Isa din siya sa top 3 ni Mommy reinloves, “sila talaga ung nilu-look up kong mga momfluencer. To me they are family, truly an inspiration lalo na sa kagaya kong first-time mommy palang.”
Follow Mommy Dette Zulueta aka millennialmomsph, for good finds, tips & giveaways.
Sabi ni mommajoycekim, isa sa mga favorites niya i-follow si Kumareng Amor. “Super blessed ako nakilala ko sila napakababait nilang tao inspired na inspired ako maachieve yung goals ko lalo na sa pagiging momfluencer, dahil sa kanila mas lumalakas loob ko at nakafocus ako sa kung ano yung dapat kong gawin. Nagpapasalamat din po ako at mahal na mahal ko sila kasi nakakainspire sila ng mga mommies kagaya ko.”
Follow _mommamsyc aka Kumareng Amor to know how she inspires moms to become mombassadors too.
Maraming salamat sa pagsagot, Bagong Nanay! Na-notice tuloy tayo ng mga nanay influencers. Hehe. Dahil dyan, as promised, may one winner ng Nanayversary Gift Pack from The Bagong Nanay Shop!
First anniversary na kasi ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, kaya thankful ako sa mga Bagong Nanays for helping me achieve this achievement (any daw, sabaw at 4am). Salamat!
Congratulations to Mommy ms.agramirez! Will send you a message on how to claim your prize. :)
Love, Nanay Judy of Bagong Nanay (o, i-follow niyo din ako please, haha)
PS. May special prize si mamatin.blogs dahil nilagay niya ang Bagong Nanay sa Top 3 nanay influencers niya. Iba rin ang feeling! ๐คญ๐คฃ Salamat, Mommy Tin!
This #KuwentongBagongNanay is very special to me – because this is just a speck of the amazing nanayhood story of my *drum roll please* big sister!
I wrote in a long post on Facebook how and why my Ate is an amazing sister, daughter, mom, friend, boss, and human being. But there’s a side that I would like to reveal about her – although her tattoos may be the first thing you see when you look at her, I want her to share the beautiful stories behind each of them.
Just like my Ate and her tattoos, there are a lot of things that us, Bagong Nanays, need to challenge to break stigmas. And my way of doing so is by shed light on these issues, by providing a platform to tell personal and intimate stories like this.
Read on, and I hope you’ll look at moms with tattoos differently afterwards.
1. What made you decide to get inked? How was your first experience like?
Growing up, I’ve always liked art, and beautiful art on skin is something that I’ve always wanted! I had struggles with weight loss and self confidence, and I thought that having a tattoo would be a great way to commemorate the start of a new discipline.
My first tattoo was a “Google tattoo” that my amazing artist, Tupe Guillergan, challenged then. I spent hours looking for, and deciding what I want to be first inked with. Alas, I ended up searching “feather with birds” in Google.
Erin and her first tattoo: a feather with birds by Tupe Guillergan
Looking back, I kinda regret that I stuck with it as I could’ve gotten a more unique one. But it was meaningful to me at that time, so it’s still good. It meant freedom and liberation for me; birds flying away, escaping.
The experience was actually okay; it didn’t hurt as much as I expected, but it really was a good decision (or not) because after the first one, I wanted to come back for more.
2. What and where are your tattoos, and what do they mean for you?
After the first one, I had four more tattoos.
The second one was a set of four small pieces: musical notes behind my left ear, and a matching media tattoo. They symbolized my love for music, and how I see life. It doesn’t have a stop button too – so we keep going.
Erin’s 2nd tattoo: rewind, pause, play, fast forward and shuffle buttons
I also have in my arm the name of my son Cyrus written in arabic font, which is also a homage to my dad who was working as an OFW in Saudi Arabia at the time.
My third tattoo was a unique elephant head, from a different artist this time, Kristoval Art, who is also extremely talented. The design was custom-made for me, and it has a world of different meanings – but for me, mainly it’s how the elephant protects its offspring. It represents my love for my kids.
Erin’s elephant head tattoo – with her daughter’s birth marks on the left ear – by Kristoval Art
Tattoo #4 is a ferris wheel on my left chest. The most painful yet. This one was inspired by a quote I love about life: “Life is like a ferris wheel, you have to get past the fear to enjoy the view.” It’s a reminder that even if life has its ups and downs, there’s always a way out.
Erin’s ferris wheel tattoo
I placed it literally close to my heart as I love amusement parks, this one in particular was the one in Sky Ranch Tagaytay.
Wow the details.
Tattoo # 5 is something I got from a recent trip, two small pieces by finns.film. One symbolizing the beginning and the end, and the other one commemorating a friendship that started in Real Estate Street.ย
3. What do your kids think about you having tattoos?
My son, Cyrus, used to say “you have dirty, mommy!” when he saw my first tattoo. It went on for months. Still makes me laugh to this day.
My daughter, Hayley, doesn’t seem to mind, she sometimes say “may sulat ka oh” in her attempt to make a conversation about it, but she particularly likes my new A/Z tattoo when we practice her ABCs. ๐คฃ
Mommy Erin with her kids Cyrus, 12, and Hayley, 4
4. What are the stigmas that women, particularly mothers, with tattoos face, and how would you like to challenge them?
I clearly remember a scenario when I rode a jeepney from work. I was wearing a sleeveless tank top and jeans (I had a jacket on but I took it off before riding the jeep because it was humid), and when I sat down, I saw the lady across me clutch her bag tightly to her chest (quite obviously) when she saw my tattoo.
Elephant in the room ๐
Had a good laugh about it when I somehow should be offended, but most of the time tattoos are still recognized as something most people frown at.
Tattoos mean different things for different people, but no matter what, this shouldnโt be a reason for us to judge.
Erin Santiago for Bagong Nanay
There may be a story or not behind tattoos, but what the hell, it’s a free country, right? Tattoos do not hurt anyone, but the judgment and discrimination does. Getting tattoos isnโt a vice, it is a form of self-expression through art. I hope more people see that.
5. What’s the part of having a tattoo that you think most people don’t know about?
Tattoos are a great conversation starter. I’ve had random people come up to me asking what they mean, or how beautiful they are (my elephant head piece is always a winner). It isn’t always a welcome thought, but it is for the most part.
I can say that I gained a lot of confidence when I had my first tattoo. As a mom struggling with weight issues, I had fun wearing nice clothes and showing them off.
Erin Santiago
If you plan on getting inked, it’s important to choose the artist carefully. As it is something that stays on your skin permanently, you would want it to something that you can be proud to show off (or not, your call).
I would also like to say that it isn’t true that you will never be able to donate blood after getting one. One year and you’re good to go as long as there’s no other reason not to.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
I am a Bagong Nanay who would do anything for family.
I am Erin Santiago of Paraรฑaque.
I am the not-so Bagong Nanay of Cyrus, 12, and Hayley, 4. Daniel, my angel in heaven, made me a Bagong Nanay, who would’ve been 16 this year.
When I’m not cooking, or picking up after my kids, or working as a supervisor in a BPO company, I am a gamer. I love having conversations over coffee with friends, and I also try and imitate Chloe Ting workouts in YouTube on a good day.
Love her story? Give Erin a shoutout by leaving a comment below!
This is a long overdue blog post, but I really just want to share this, especially to nanays who are finding ways to entertain their little ones amid the pandemic.
Last May, I was invited by a fellow Bagong Nanay (hello Mommy Tzarina!) to join an online workshop. Both our babies were barely two years old, and we thought it would be chaos to have them join one.
It was for Mother’s month, so avail! Photo from Cascades International School Facebook page
We chose the CLAY PORTRAIT OF MOM and PRINCESS PLAYTIME classes.
It would be my toddler and I’s first time to join an online class with a legit teacher. We are just used to video calls with family and friends, or Zoom meetings where she’ll have a cameo appearance, lol.
So Teacher Cath of Cascades International School sent via email the list of materials and some reminders for the class. My husband bought the materials, and we patiently waited for the big day.
Husband bought two kinds of clay, but the BEST BUY brand is indeed the best buy! The Crayola brand is too sticky.
It was my toddler’s first-ever online class! To be honest, I got a bit teary-eyed (lol) because she was behaved and attentive most of the time.
I did all the work, don’t worry guys
Clay portrait for mom
I thought I already know what were going to do in the class, but I was amazed how Teacher Jeska used the clay to create an actual portrait! She was very patient, and her instructions were clear. We had a lot of fun!
Yey! Our output
Now the point of this blog post is to show the effect of joining that one online class to my toddler.
After that class that she enjoyed, she looooooooved playing with clay, until this day.
Here are some of our masterpieces!
A breakfast for Barbie by nanayClay balls by NanayClay flowers by Nanay, BUT arranged by LiaLia, proud of our first collab artAlso arranged by LiaHer idea to give the blue to Tatay, pink to Nanay, and yellow for herIce cream!Her attempt to make her own clay designsTHIS WAS JUST HER. Integrating clay to her real toys! This is Ice Bear with a party hat and cake made by LiaHER IDEA to copy a bear clay figure in her bookAnd this was her last night – around 11pm. Busy making something…Then she said, “Nanay! Nanay!” SHE MADE HER OWN CLAY PORTRAIT OF NANAY!” (Can you see the singkit eyes? So accurate)
My two cents
If we say yes to new experiences for our kids like online workshops – and give access to materials – may it be clay or paint brush or piano – then we are opening them to a whole new world and endless possibilities.
I’m so happy that I said yes on her behalf, because after that class, my husband and I agreed to expose our daughter to whatever hobby or activity she finds interesting, and then support her if she likes it. We’ll also not pressure her if she doesn’t like it! That’s how we’d like to be as her parents.
Do you have online workshops that you would like to recommend for us to try? Comment below!
Check out Cascades International School’s Instagram for details on upcoming classes and workshops. This is not a sponsored post.
Bagong Nanay 